Ratcheting apparatus for cargo strap winches

• US 7,566,194 B1
• Filed: 10/09/2006
• Issued: 07/28/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lesley A. Gray, Paul L. Baker
• Original Assignee: Lesley A. Gray, Paul L. Baker
• Inventors: Baker, Paul L., Gray, Lesley A.
• Primary Examiner(s): GORDON, STEPHEN T
• Application Number:
  US11/539,795
• Time in Patent Office: 1,023 Days
• Field of Search: 410/12, 410/96, 410/100, 410/103, 410/156, 164/06, 164/22, 164/27, 745/44, 745/45, 745/48, 254/223, 254/243, 811/772, 811/777, 811/778.5, 811/779, 716/8
• US Class Current: 410/103
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 7/0853 Tools for manipulating straps or tighteners

Abstract

A ratcheting apparatus for engaging the winch driver of a winch used for tightening cargo straps, providing secure temporary engagement, with substantial leverage for turning the winch. The apparatus comprises a handle that removably inserts into the two sleeves of the apparatus. The teeth of the sleeves are arranged such that loosening motion allows the teeth of the respective sleeves to slip, one against the other, where winch tightening motion causes the teeth to engage and tighten a cargo strap. The spring of the rod of the apparatus provides correct tension between the two sleeves. A hardened leverage bar turns the apparatus. The apparatus is preferably made of metal or metal alloy, although more exotic polymers and matrixes may be used in construction.

Claims

1. A ratcheting apparatus for engaging a driver of a cargo strap winch, the apparatus comprising:

a cylindrical engagement sleeve for fitting over the driver, the engagement sleeve having a diameter, a first end and a second end;

means for selectively engaging the winch driver with the engagement sleeve;

a series of teeth on the second end of the engagement sleeve;

a ratcheting sleeve of an equal diameter to the engagement sleeve diameter, the ratcheting sleeve having a first end and a second end;

means for tensionally holding the engagement sleeve in ratcheting contact with the ratcheting sleeve;

a series of teeth on the first end of the ratcheting sleeve, the ratcheting sleeve teeth for engaging the teeth of the engagement sleeve, the engagement sleeve teeth and the ratcheting sleeve teeth cumulatively ratcheting freely in one direction and engaging in an opposite direction;

a pair ratcheting sleeve openings in the ratcheting sleeve, the openings proximal to the second end of the ratcheting sleeve.

2. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the means for engaging the driver comprises an orifice in each one of sides of the engagement sleeve, the orifices proximal to the first end of the engagement sleeve;

a cross bar for removable fit through the orifices and any of a plurality of drive holes in the winch driver.

3. The apparatus in claim 2 wherein the cross bar further comprises a flat side;

a corresponding flat side being on the engagement sleeve orifices.

4. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises a leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

5. The apparatus in claim 2 wherein the apparatus further comprises a leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

6. The apparatus in claim 3 wherein the apparatus further comprises a leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

7. A ratcheting apparatus for engaging a driver of a cargo strap winch, the apparatus comprising:

a cylindrical engagement sleeve for fitting over the driver, the engagement sleeve having a diameter, a first end and a second end;

a means for selectively engaging the winch driver with the engagement sleeve;

a series of teeth on the second end of the engagement sleeve;

a plate within the engagement sleeve, the plate substantially filling an inner diameter of the engagement sleeve, the plate disposed at the first end of the engagement sleeve;

a foramen in a center of the plate;

a ratcheting sleeve of an equal diameter to the engagement sleeve diameter, the ratcheting sleeve having a first end and a second end;

a series of teeth on the first end of the ratcheting sleeve, the ratcheting sleeve teeth for engaging the teeth of the engagement sleeve, the engagement sleeve teeth and the ratcheting sleeve teeth cumulatively ratcheting freely in one direction and engaging in an opposite direction;

a pair ratcheting sleeve openings in the ratcheting sleeve, the openings proximal to the second end of the ratcheting sleeve;

a plate within the ratcheting sleeve, the ratcheting sleeve plate substantially filling an inner diameter of the second end of the ratcheting sleeve;

a foramen in a center of the ratcheting sleeve plate;

a rod having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween, the rod for removable insertion through each plate foramen of the engagement sleeve and the ratcheting sleeve;

a means for holding the rod within each foramen of the engagement sleeve and the ratcheting sleeve;

a leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

8. The apparatus in claim 7 wherein the rod comprises:

more than one detent ball on the first end of the rod;

a handle on the second end of the rod;

a spring freely encircling a substantial area of the length of the rod;

a release pin within the length of the rod;

a release button on the handle, the release button for moving the release pin in releasing the detent balls.

9. The apparatus in claim 8 wherein the rod handle further comprises a handle ring.

10. The apparatus in claim 7 wherein the means for selectively engaging the winch driver with the engagement sleeve comprises:

an orifice in each one of sides of the engagement sleeve, the orifices proximal to the first end of the engagement sleeve;

a cross bar for removable fit through the orifices and any of a plurality of drive holes in the winch driver.

11. The apparatus in claim 8 wherein the means for selectively engaging the winch driver with the engagement sleeve comprises:

an orifice in each one of sides of the engagement sleeve, the orifices proximal to the first end of the engagement sleeve;

a cross bar for removable fit through the orifices and any of a plurality of drive holes in the winch driver.

12. The apparatus in claim 10 wherein the cross bar further comprises a flat side;

a corresponding flat side being on the engagement sleeve orifices.

13. The apparatus in claim 11 wherein the cross bar further comprises a flat side;

a corresponding flat side being on the engagement sleeve orifices.

14. The apparatus in claim 7 wherein the leverage bar is a hardened leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

15. The apparatus in claim 8 wherein the leverage bar is a hardened leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

16. The apparatus in claim 9 wherein the leverage bar is a hardened leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

17. The apparatus in claim 10 wherein the leverage bar is a hardened leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

18. The apparatus in claim 11 wherein the leverage bar is a hardened leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

19. The apparatus in claim 12 wherein the leverage bar is a hardened leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.

20. The apparatus in claim 13 wherein the leverage bar is a hardened leverage bar fitted within the ratcheting sleeve openings.